Tank filling apparatus



y 1954 H. E. RITTENHOUSE 2,678,658

TANK FILLING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 2, 1950 i 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. Ho WARD E. RITTENHOUSE RTTORNEY May 18, 1954 H. E. RITTENHOUSE 2,678,658

TANK FILLING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 2, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 HOWARD E.- RITTENHOUSE INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY May 18, 1954 H. E. RITTENHOUSE TANK FILLING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 2 1950 3 5 m 3 F M 3 3 o 3 f I I U m 7 0 1 1 1 v I 5 O 6 I I 4 M 0 9 5 3 7 I 0 6 3 4 7 7 3 H 3 A 3 .J 3 & 9 a J T 5 5 7 l A 3 m 9 3 0 m 3 7 3 .7 7 3! TTENH USE 5 HOWARD E RI\NVENT0? BMW/(W FITTORNEY y 1954 H. E. RITTENHOUSE 2,673,653

TANK FILLING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 2, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Howazo E. RWTENHousE INVENTOR.

, duwmzdm Mrbramsy Patented May 18, 1954 UNITED STATES TANK FILLING APPARATUS Application November 2, 1950, Serial No. 193,701

20 Claims.

This invention relates to tank filling apparatus. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus for filling a tank or a number of tanks to predetermined levels from a single inlet connection.

In filling truck tanks, especially the compartmented tanks such as are used in the distribution of petroleum products, it is the usual procedure to load the compartment by pulling the truck up to a fixed platform and filling the tanks through openings in the top thereof.

This procedure limits the number oi trucks which can be loaded at one time and therefore often ties up trucks which are waiting for long periods of time.

It is an object of this invention to provide means for filling all of the compartments of a truck at one time through a single connection.

A further object of the invention is to provide means individual to each compartment for slowing the rate of filling when a predetermined level is reached and for stopping the filling when a different predetermined level is reached.

It is a further object of the invention to provide means for reestablishing a full rate of flow to the remaining tanks after one tank has been filled.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for automatically stopping the flow of fluid to the various compartments in the order of their filling.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means for restoring the control means to operative condition after the loading is completed.

These and other objects will become apparent from a study of this specification and the drawings which are attached hereto and are made a part hereof and in which:

Figure l is a diagrammatic view of a two-stage, multiple compartment tank loading system.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the double stage flow control valves used in the apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of a single stage, single tank system with a diilerent form of conditioning mechanism.

Figure 4 is a detail view of the shut off valve and conditioning mechanism.

Figure 5 is a detailed view of the diaphragm valve.

Referring first to Figure 1, the numeral I represents a multiple compartment tank having the compartments 3 and 5. The number of compartments may, of course, exceed two, which are shown merely for purposes of illustration.

The compartment 3 is connected with the manifold 1 through selector valve Q, conduit H and check valve l3 which has a suitable opening device it, while the compartment 5 is connected with the manifold by a similar valve l5, conduit l1 and check valve [9 having an opening device 20.

A hose 2| connects the manifold with the outlet 23 of the control valve body 25 which has an inlet 21 which is connected to the pressurized supply line, not shown. The hose and manifold may be provided with a quick connecting, selfclosing coupling 24.

The valve body 25 is provided with a wall 29 which separates the body into inlet and outlet chambers 38 and 32. A first stage valve 31 is mounted for reciprocation relative to port 33 and travels with the flow to close the port. The stem of the valve carries a piston 35 which reciprocates in a cylinder 31. A compression spring 39 is disposed above the piston and tends to close the valve. A restricted port 4| connects the upper side of the cylinder with the inlet chamber.

The second stage valve 43 is reciprocably mounted for movement with the flow toward a port 45. It also carries a piston 4'! which is slidable in cylinder 49. The cylinder is also connected by a restricted port 5| to the inlet chamber 30. A spring 53 acts on the piston to tend to close the valve.

The port 33 is preferably larger than port 45 so that the rate of flow of fluid will be materially reduced during the second stage of operation.

A two part drain conduit 55, provided with connector 56 of the self-closing type, connects the cylinder 31 with a first stage valve chamber 51 in which a port 59 is controlled by a valve 6|. The port communicates through conduit 63 to another first stage valve chamber 65 which has a port 6'! controlled by a valve 59. This chain of elements would be extended if more compartments were used. The port of the last valve chamber, in this case port 61, communicates with the manifold I through conduit ll.

The stem 60 of valve 6| extends through a diaphragm chamber 13. It carries a diaphragm 15 which divides the chamber into a lower atmospheric chamber 11 which is vented to atmosphere at 18 and an upper, fiuid chamber l9. A spring 8! urges the valve and diaphragm upwardly.

The stem 60 also has a collar 83 fixed thereto which cooperates with a dog 85 pivotally mounted at 81 and urged by spring 89 into contact with the collar.

A lifting lever 9| pivoted at 93 also engages the collar.

A first stage depth or overflow tube 95 which extends to a first predetermined level in the tank communicates with the first stage fiuid chamber 79 and the chamber communicates with the conduit II through conduit 91 and an outwardly opening check valve 99.

A similar structure is used to control the valve 69 and consists of the valve stem IOI, diaphragm I03 which is lifted by spring I04, collar I05, dog I01, spring I08, lifting lever I09, atmospheric chamber I I I, another first stage fluid chamber II3, first predetermined level depth or overflow tube II5, conduit Ill and check valve II9 which opens into conduit I I.

This structure too would be repeated as the number of compartments increases.

The cylinder 49 is connected by a two part drain conduit I2I, which is provided with a connector I22 of the self-closing type, with a second stage valve chamber I23 which has a port I25 and a valve I2I reciprocable with stem I29 to open and close the port. The valve I2I has a lost motion connection I30 with the stem 60 so that when the latter is raised, valve I2I will also be raised. I-Iowever, stem 60 may move down without affecting valve I21.

The stem extends into a diaphragm chamber which diaphragm I3I separates into second 1' stage fluid and atmospheric chambers I33 and I35. A spring I3I urges the valve open.

A second stage depth or overflow tube I39 disposed at a second or high predetermined level in the chamber I33 which communicates through conduit I iI and check valve I53 with the conduit II.

Port I25 communicates through conduit I with the second stage valve chamber I41 which has outlet port I49, valve I5I and stem I53. Chamber I4": communicates with manifold I through conduit I53.

Lost motion connection I connects stem IN and valve I5I. The stem I53 carries diaphragm I57, which is urged upwardly by spring I58, to form the second stage fluid and atmospheric chambers I53, ISI. The second stage depth or overflow tube 563 for compartment 5 communicates with the chamber I59 which in turn communicates through conduit I35 and check valve I91 with conduit I'I.

Operation Assuming that the compartments 3 and 5 are empty and that the parts occupy their Figure l positions, the operator will connect the hose 2! to the inlet of manifold I and supply fluid under pressure to the inlet chamber 30. The dogs 85 and I91 will be tripped to free collars 63 and I05 and the manifold valves 9 and I5 will be opened. Since the compartments are vented, the pressure of liquid in chamber 35 acting on pistons 41 and 35 will overcome the combined pressure of springs 53, 39 and the fluid pressure on the valves, so the valves will open and fluid will flow through chamber 32 and conduit 2I to the manifold and thence through conduits II and IT, check valves I3 and I9 into both compartments 3 and 5 which will start to fill.

The rate of rise of the liquid level in the compartments may vary due to differences in the opposition to flow of liquid through the various connections, etc. or due to the differences in size or shape of the compartments. Accordingly, one compartment may fill faster than another.

compartment 3 communicates with the When any compartment reaches the first predetermined level to which its depth tube is set, the rate of flow of liquid to all compartments will be slowed.

Assuming that the level of the depth tube in compartment 5 is first reached, the liquid will spill into the tube H5 and fill it. The collar I05 rides below the dog I3! when the weight of the parts carried by the stems I6! and I53 is carried on springs I04 and I58. The additional weight of the liquid in the depth tube will depress the diaphragm I53 against the action of spring I04 and will close the valve 39 and port 01. The upper diaphragm I51 and valve I5I will not close because the lost motion connection I55 allows downward movement of stem IOI relative thereto.

The closure of port 91 by valve 59 stops the bleeding of liquid from the cylinder 31 through the conduit 55, port 59, conduit 63, port EI, conduit 'II to the manifold I, and the pressure in the cylinder will be equalized with that in chamber 30 through the restricted port 4|. The pressure across the piston 35 being balanced, the spring will force the piston down and valve 3| closes the port. The restricted port 4| also slows down the transfer of liquid to the cylinder so that the valve will not close violently.

With the valve 3! closing the port 33, the rate of fiow of liquid to the manifold will be greatly reduced and all the open compartments will be supplied with liquid at the reduced rate.

Should the depth tube of compartment 3 fill before tube I63 does, the diaphragm I5 will close port 59 by lowering valve BI. No action will follow since the first stage valve 3| has already been closed as described.

If the depth tube I63 in compartment 5 fills before tube 95, the weight of liquid in such tube will depress the diaphragm I51 and force valve I5I to close port I49.

This cuts off flow from cylinder 59, conduit I2I, chamber I23, port I25, conduit I45, chamber I 41, port I49 and conduit I 50 to the manifold I. The pressure in the cylinder 49 therefore equalizes with that in chamber 30 and the spring 53 forces the second stage valve 43 to close port 45. This steps all flow to the tanks.

The fact that compartment 5 has been filled may be verified by inspecting the lost motion connections I30 and I55. If the lost motion is taken up in I55, the compartment is full and the valve I5 is closed.

In order to complete the filling of the compartment 3 or additional compartments, the lever I39 is now depressed to raise collar I95 to the point where it will be engaged and held by dog I 01. This lifts both valves 69 and I5I and opens ports 51 and I49.

Assuming that the diaphragm I5 has not been previously operated, the opening of ports 61 and I39 will relieve the pressure in cylinders 31 and 59 and both valves 43 and 3! will be raised to establish maximum flow to the manifold. This will continue until the first stage depth tube 95 is filled whereupon diaphragm I5 will be depressed to close port 59. This closes the first stage valve as explained above. The compartment will continue filling until the second stage depth tube I33 fills, at which time diaphragm I3I is depressed to close port I25. Piston 41 is then actuated as described above to close valve 43 and the flow stops.

If the diaphragm I5 had been previously actuated, the opening of ports '6! and I49 by means of lever I99 would result only in opening the second stage valve 43 because communication between cylinder 31 and the manifold would still be interrupted by valve 6|. Thus, filling of the compartment 3 could proceed only at the reduced rate.

It will thus be seen that regardless of the number of compartments which may be connected with the manifold, the flow to all of them will be at the maximum rate until liquid in one compartment reaches a first predetermined level. Thereafter, all compartments will be filled at a reduced rate until one compartment is completely filled to a second predetermined level, whereupon all filling stops. When the filled compartment has been closed off and its control valves have been reset, filling will continue at a rate depending upon whether any of the remaining compartments has reached the first level. If one or more have reached such level, the filling will continue at a reduced rate; if none have reached such a level, the filling will proceed at the maximum rate.

When filling has been completed, the remaining compartment valves are closed and the couplings 24, 53 and 22 are released and the truck is driven to an unloading station. After the manifold has been connected to the storage tank, a selected compartment valve and its associated check valve are opened and the compartment, for instance compartment 3, is drained. As the conduit l l between the compartment 3 and manifold 1 empty, the head or liquid confined in the depth tubes 93 and 39 will open check valves 99 and I43 respectively and the tubes will drain, if not completely, at least to a level which will enable the springs 9i and [31 to again hold up their associated diaphragms and valves when the dog 85 is released, so that an ensuing filling operation may be performed.

Modified control values Figure 2 discloses a control valve assembly which may be used instead of the body 25, valves 3! and d3, pistons 35 and 31, etc. of Figure 1.

In this form, there is a first stage valve body 231 having a port 293 formed therein, an inlet chamber 295 and an outlet chamber 201. The chamber 233 has an inlet 209 while the chamber 291 has an outlet 2i l and an inlet 2 l3 apart from the valve port.

A poppet type valve 2 l 5 has its stem 2 l1 slidable in a guide 2E9 and is movable toward and from the port to control it. A helical compression spring 22E surround the guide and stem and bears on the valve to urge it toward the port.

The upper portion of the body 23! is formed as a diaphragm chamber which is separated into upper and lower chambers 223 and 225 by the diaphragm 221 which is attached to the upper end of the valve stem.

The upper chamber has an outlet 229 which is adapted for connection to conduit 55 while the lower chamber communicates with inlet chamber 295 through port 23!. The two chambers 223, 225 communicate through the restricted port 233 in the diaphragm.

The second stage valve body 235 has inlet and outlet chambers 231, 239 which are connected by a port 2M. The former has an inlet 243 and an outlet 245 which communicates with the inlet 299 of the first stage valve. The chamber 239 has an outlet 231 which communicates with inlet M3. The bodies 235, 343i are bolted together.

A poppet type valve 249 has a stem 25! slidable in a guide 253 and is urged toward the port by spring 255. The upper end of the valve carries the diaphragm 251 which forms chambers 259 and 261 having ports 233 and 265 which communicates respectively with conduit l2l and chamber 231. Chambers 259, 261 communicate with each other through the restricted port 261.

The operation of the structure is substantially the same as that described in connection with Figure 1, so that repetition is unnecessary.

Single stage control In certain applications it is not necessary to provide a two stage control, but it is desired to provide a stop mechanism to prevent overfilling a tank, such as a bulk storage tank.

To accomplish this control I supply the structure shown in Figures 3 and 4.

a The tank to be filled is indicated by numeral till which has its inlet pipe 303 coupled by a quick, self-closing connector 395 to a hose 331 and to the outlet 3139 of the control valve body 3! i.

This body has an inlet 3 l3 and as shown in Figure 4, has an inlet and outlet chamber 3 l5 and 311 which are connected by port 3l9.

A poppet type valve 32% has a stem 323 slidably mounted in a guide 325 and has a spring 321 which urges the valve toward the port. The upper end of the stem is fixed to a diaphragm 329 which forms upper and lower chambers 33 I, 333 in the body which are ported at 335 and 331 respectively. The chambers communicate through the restricted port 339 in the diaphragm. An outwardly closing check valve 34 l is mounted in port 331 to prevent egress of liquid from the chamber 333 to chamber 315.

Chamber 3 i 1 has an inlet 339 which communicates through an inwardly opening check valve 341 with an adapter body 333 which is bolted to body 3 I I. A pump body 345, having a double acting diaphragm 33? mounted therein to form two pump chambers 349, 351 is attached to the adapter.

An operating lever 353 is connected to a plunger 335 which actuates the diaphragm and is pivotally mounted on a link 351 which is in turn pivotally mounted on the body 343.

Inlet valves 353, 36! and discharges valves 363, 365 communicate with the pump inlet 361, the adapter body and the pump chambers.

Referring again to Figure 3, it will be seen that the outlet 335 from diaphragm chamber 331 is connected by a hose 369 and a quick connect, selfsealing coupling 319 to drain conduit 31! while the pump inlet 361 i connected by a hose 313 and a self-sealing, quick connect coupling 315 to the conduit 311 and to the depth or overflow tube 319 in the tank.

The depth tube and conduit 311 communicate with the upper chamber 381 formed by a diaphragm 383 in a housing 385. The lower chamber 3133 is ported to atmosphere at 381. A spring 389 urges the diaphragm upwardly and the stem 391 attached to the diaphragm carries a valve 393 which controls a port 395 in valve body 391. The chamber 399 of this body communicates with conduit 311 and the port 395 communicates through tube 49! with the tank inlet 393.

A check valve 303 may be inserted in the line 333 if desired and a separate discharge line 495, controlled by a suitable valve 401, may be supplied.

Operation Assuming that the hoses 391, 369 and 313 are connected to the conduits 383, 3'! I and 377, which connection automatically opens the'valves which normallyclose these lines, the operator will first actuate the pump lever 353 to cause the pump to withdraw any liquid from the depth tube 319 and conduit 31'! and force it through the adapter 343, check valve 34!, chamber 3 i 1, outlet 309, hose 301, coupling 3i5and check valve 403 into the tank inlet 303 and the tank.

When the depth tube has been cleared, static pressure on the diaphragm 383 is relieved and spring 389 lifts the valve 393 and opens port 395 to connect the diaphragm chamber 33! to the inlet 303 through hose 369, conduit 31!, chamber 399, port 395 and tube 43!.

Pressurized liquid from inlet chamber 3l5 enters diaphragm chamber 333 through check valve 3M and raises the diaphragm and poppet valve 32l to open port M9. The liquid then fiows from inlet 313 through the chamber 3|5,

port 3l9, outlet 33%, hose 307, coupling 305, check valve 403, tank inlet 363 to tank 30L As the liquid level rises to a predetermined level in the tank it will spill into the depth tube 319 and when the latter fills, the static head of liquid on diaphragm 3B3 depresses it against spring 389 and lowers valve 393 onto port 395 to close it. The communication between control valve chamber 33l and inlet 353 being thus cut oil, the pressure in chambers 33i and 333 will become balanced through the orifice 339 and spring 327 will force valve 32! to close port 3E9 and stop the flow to the tank. The orifice 339 prevents too quick closing of the valve so that the diaphragm acts as'a dashpot on closing.

The hoses may then be disconnected from the tank, if desired.

Figure discloses a particular design of the pressure responsive control which is shown diagrammatically in Figure 3 and needs no further explanation.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the form, structure and arrangement of parts without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, applicant does not desire to be limited to the specific embodiment disclosed herein primarily for purposes of illustration; but instead he desires protection falling fairly within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim to be new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a tank filling system, 'the combination of a multiple compartment tank, first and second overflow tubes in each compartment, said second tubes extending to a higher elevation than the first tubes, a control device communicating with each tube, each control device being operable in response to liquid in its associated tube, means for supplying liquid simultaneously to all of the compartments, means for reducing the rate of flow of liquid and means for stopping the flow of liquid, means actuated by a control device communicating with the first tube of each compartment upon the liquid level reaching any of said first tubes to render said how reducing means effective and means actuated by a control device communicating with the second tube of each compartment to render said fiow stopping means effective upon the liquid level reaching the second tube of any compartment.

2. In a tank fillin system, the combination of a tank, first and second overflow tubes in the tank, said second tube extending to a higher elevation than the first, first and second liquid responsive means communicating with said first and second tubes respectively, means for supplying liquid to the tank, means for reducing the rate of flow of liquid to the tank and means for stopping theflow to the tank, means actuated by said first responsive means upon the liquid level reaching the first overflow tube for rendering the flow reducing means eiiective and means actuated by the second responsive means upon the liquid level reaching the second overflow tube for rendering the flow stopping means effective.

3. In a tank filling system, the combination of a tank, first and second overflow tubes in the tank, said second tube extending to a higher elevation than the first, first and second liquid responsive means communicating with said first and second tubes respectively, means for supplying liquid to the tank, means for reducing the rate of flow of liquid to the tank and means for stopping the flow to the tank, means actuated by said first responsive means upon the liquid level reaching the first overfiow tube for rendering the fiow reducing means effective, means actuated by the second responsive means upon the liquid level reaching the second overflow tube for rendering the flow stopping means effective and means for removing liquid from said tubes.

4. In a tank filling system, the combination of a tank, first and second overflow tubes in the tank, said second tube extending to a higher elevation than the first, first and second liquid responsive means communicating with said first and second tubes respectively, said means having normal and actuated conditions, means for supplying liquid to the tank, means for reducing the rate of flow of liquid to the tank and means for stopping the flow to the tank, means actuated by said first responsive means when in actuated condition upon the liquid level reaching the first overflow tube for rendering the flow reducing means efi'ective, means actuated by the second responsive means when in the actuated condition upon the liquid level reaching the second overflow tube for rendering the fiow stopping means effective, means for removing liquid from said tubes and means for restoring said liquid responsive means to their normal condition.

5. In a tank filling system, the combination of a tank, a supply valve, which is entirely independent of the tank, having an inlet connected to a supply of liquid under pressure and an outlet connected through a separable coupling with the tank, pressure responsive means connected to actuate the supply valve, means for applying liquid under inlet pressure to one side of said pressure responsive means to open the valve, pressure relief means includin a drain conduit, means for maintaining the pressure relief means at a pressure less than said inlet pressure, means connecting said drain conduit in communication with the other side of said pressure responsive means, yieldable means for urging the supply valve closed, a continuously open, restricted by-pass orifice communicating with both sides of the pressure responsive means, an overflow tube in the tank and means responsive to the presence of liquid in said tube for render-- ing said pressure relief means ineffective, whereby the pressures on said pressure responsive means will become balanced through said orifice so that the yieldable means may close the valve.

6. In a tank filling system, the combination of a tank, a supply valve, which is entirely independent of the tank, having an inlet connected to a supply of liquid under pressure and an outlet connected through aseparable coupling with the tank, pressure responsive means connected to actuate the supply valve, means for applying liquid under inlet pressure to one side of said pressure responsive means to open the valve, pressure relief means including a drain conduit, means for maintaining the pressure relief means at a pressure less than said inlet pressure, means connecting said drain conduit in communication with the other side of said pressure responsive means, resilient means for urging the supply valve closed, a continuously open, restricted by-pass orifice communicating with both sides of the pressure responsive means, an overflow tube in the tank, means responsive to the presence of liquid in said tube for rendering said pressure relief means ineffective, whereby the pressures on said pressure responsive means will become balanced through said orifice so that the yieldable means may close the valve, and means for thereafter evacuating liquid from said tube.

7. In a tank filling system, the combination of a tank, a supply valve, which is entirely independent of the tank, having an inlet connected to a supply of liquid under pressure and an outlet connected through a separable coupling with the tank, pressure responsive means connected to actuate the supply valve, means for applying liquid under inlet pressure to one side of said pressure responsive means to open the valve, pressure relief means including a drain conduit, means for maintaining the pressure relief means initially at a pressure less than said inlet pressure, means connecting said drain conduit in communication with the other side of said pressure responsive means, yieldable means for urging the supply valve closed, a continuously open, restricted bypass orifice communicating with both sides of the pressure responsive means, an overflow tube in the tank, means responsive to the presence of liquid in said tube for rendering said pressure relief means ineiiective, whereby the pressures on said pressure responsive means will become balanced through said orifice so that the yieldable means may close the valve, means for thereafter evacuating liquid from said tube and means for thereupon restoring said pressure relief means to its initial condition.

8. In a tank filling system, the combination of a tank, a supply valve, which is entirely independent of the tank, having an inlet connected to a supply of liquid under pressure and an outlet connected through a separable coupling with the tank, pressure responsive means connected to actuate the supply valve, means for applying liquid under inlet pressure to one side of said pressure responsive means to open the valve, pressure relief means including a drain conduit, means for maintaining the pressure relief means at a pressure less than said inlet pressure, means connecting said drain conduit in communication with the other side of said pressure responsive means, yieldable means for urging the supply valve closed, a continuously open, restricted by-pass orifice communicating with both sides of the pressure responsive means, an overflow tube in the tank and means responsive to the presence of a predetermined level of liquid in said tube for rendering said pressure relief means inefiective, whereby the pressures on said pressure responsive means will become balanced through said orifice so that the yieldable means may close the valve.

9. In a tank filling system, the combination of a tank, a supply valve having an inlet connected to a supply of liquid under pressure and an outlet connected through a separable coupling with the Ill tank, pressure responsive means connected to actuate the supply valve, means for applying liquid under inlet pressure to one side of said pressure responsive means to open the valve, pressure relief means including a drain conduit, means for maintaining the pressure relief means at a pressure less than said inlet pressure, means connecting said drain conduit in communication with the other side of said pressure responsive means, yieldable means for urging he supply valve closed, a. restricted by-pass orifice communicating with both sides of the pressure responsive means, an overflow tube in the tank, means responsive to the presence of liquid in said tube for rendering said pressure relief means ineffective, whereby the pressures on said pressure responsive means will become balanced through said orifice so that the yieldable means may close the valve, means including a pump for evacuating the liquid from the tube and means for thereupon restoring said pressure relief means to its initial condition.

10. In a tank filling system, the combination of a tank, a supply valve, which is entirely independent of the tank, having an inlet connected to a supply of liquid under pressure and an outlet connected through a separable coupling with the tank, first pressure responsive means connected to actuate the supply valve, means for applying liquid under inlet pressure to one side of said pressure responsive means to open the valve, pressure relief means including a drain conduit, means for maintaining the pressure relief means at a pressure less than said inlet pressure, means connecting said drain conduit in communication with the other side of said pressure responsive means, a control valve for said drain conduit, means for normally holding said control valve open and second pressure responsive means for closing the control valve, resilient means for urging the supply valve. closed, a continuously open, restricted by-pass communicating with both sides of said first pressure responsive means, an overflow tube in the tank and means connecting said tube and said second pressure responsive means to transmit the pressure of fluid in the tube to the second pressure responsive means to actuate it to close said control valve, said resilient means thereafter serving to close the supply valve.

11. In a tank filling system, the combination of a tank, a supply valve, which is entirely independent of the tank, having an inlet connected to a supply of liquid under pressure and an outlet connected through a separable coupling with the tank, first pressure responsive means connected to actuate the supply valve, means for applying liquid under inlet pressure to one side of said pressure responsive means to open the valve, pressure relief means including a. drain conduit, means for maintaining the pressure relief means at a pressure less than said inlet pressure, means connecting said drain conduit in communication with the other side of said first pressure responsive means, a control valve for said drain conduit, means for normally holding said control valve open and second pressure responsive means for closing the control valve, resilient means for urging the supply valve closed, a continuously open, restricted by-pass communicating with both sides of said first pressure responsive means, an overflow tube in the tank, means connecting said tube and said second pressure responsive means to transmit the pressure of fluid in the tube to the second pressure responsive means to actuate it to close said control valve, said resilient 1 1 means thereafter serving to close the supply valve, and means for thereafter evacuating liquid from said tube.

12. In a tank filling system, th combination of a multiple compartment tank, a supply conduit, means connecting said conduit to simultaneously supply liquid to all of said compartments, means associated with each compartment for stopping the flow thereto, first and second stage supply valves havin inlets connected to a source of liquid under pressure and outlets connected in paral el to said supply conduit, yiel able means for urging said valves closed, first and second pressure responsive means connected to said respective supply valves, means for connecting one side of each of said pressure responsive means to liquid under inlet pressure for opening said supply valves, a restricted lay-pass for each pressure responsive means communicating with both sides thereof, first and second pressure relief conduits communicating with the other sides of said first and second pressure responsive means, respectively, means for maintaining said relief conduits at a pressure below the inlet pressure, a first and a second stage overflow tube in each compartment, each first stage tube extending to a level in its associated compartment which is below the level of the second stage tube in that compartment, means responsive to the presence of liquid in any first stage tube for clsing the first pressure relief conduit whereby said first stage supply valve will be closed and means responsive to the presence of liquid in any sec-- 0nd stage tube for closing the second relief conduit whereby said second stage supply valve will be closed.

13. In a tank filling system, the combination of a multiple compartment tank, a supply conduit, means connecting said conduit to simultaneously supply liquid to all of said compartments, means associated with each compartment for stopping the flow thereto, first and second stage supply valves having inlets connected to a source of liquid under pressure and outlets connected in parallel to said supply conduit, yieldable means for urging said valves closed, first and second pressure responsive means connected to said respective supply valves, means for connecting one side of each of said pressure responsive means to liquid under inlet pressure for opening said supply valves, a restricted by-pass for each pressure responsive means communicatin with both sides thereof, first and second pressure relief conduits communicating with the other sides of said first and second pressure responsive means, respectively, means for maintaining said relief conduits at a pressure below the inlet pressure, a first and a second stage overflow tube in each compartment, each first stage tube extending to a level in its associated compartment which is below the level of the second stage tube in that compartment, means responsive to the presence of liquid in any first stage tube for closing the first pressure relief conduit whereby said first stage supply valve will be closed, means responsive to the presence of liquid in any second stage tube for closing the second relief conduit whereby said second stage supply valve will be closed and means operable after the closure of the second relief conduit for reopening both relief conduits so that both supply valves will reopen.

14. In a tank filling system, the combination of a multiple compartment tank, a supply conduit, means connecting said conduit t S taneously supply liquid to all of said compartments, means associated with each compartment for stopping the flow thereto, first and second stage supply valves having inlets connected to a source of liquid under pressure and outlets connected in parallel to said supply conduit, yieldable means for urging said valves closed, first and second pressure responsive means connected to said respective supply valves, means for connecting one side of each of said pressure responsive means to liquid under inlet pressure for opening said supply valves, a restricted by-pass for each pressure responsive means communicating with both sides thereof, first and second pressure relief conduits communicatin with the other sides of said first and second pressure responsive means, respectively, means for maintainin said relief conduits at a pressure below the inlet pressure, a first and a second stage overflow tube in each compartment, each first stage tube extending to a level in its associated compartment which is below the level of the second stage tube in that compartment, means responsive to the presence of liquid in any first stage tube for closing the first pressure relief conduit whereby said first stage supply valve will be closed, means responsive to the presence of liquid in any second stage tube for closing the second relief conduit whereby said second stage supply valve will be closed and means for draining said tubes.

15. In a tank filling system, the combination of a multiple compartment tank, a supply conduit, a manifold connecting said supply conduit with all of said compartments, an inlet valve for each compartment, first and second supply valves having inlets connected to a source of liquid under pressure and outlets connected in parallel in said conduit, yieldable means for urging the valves closed, first and second pressure responsive means connected to control said valves, respectively, means for applying inlet pressure to one side of both said pressure responsive means in a direction to open said valves, first and second restricted by-pass means communicating with opposite sides of the respective pressure responsive means, first and second pressure relief conduits communicating with the other sides of the first and second pressure responsive means, respectively, means for maintaining said relief conduits at a pressure below the supply pressure, a first and a second overflow tube in each compartment, said second tube terminating at a higher elevation than the first tube, means, one for each first tube, and communicatin with said tube, and responsive to a head of liquid in the tube for closing said first relief conduit, means for each secand tube, communicating with such second tube, and responsive to a head of liquid in said second tube for closing said second relief conduit, the closure of a relief conduit serving to initiate closure of its corresponding supply valve.

16. In a tank filling system, the combination of a multiple compartment tank, a supply con duit, a manifold connecting said supply conduit with all of said compartments, an inlet valve for each compartment, first and second supply valves having inlets connected to a source of liquid under pressure and outlets connected in parallel in said conduit, yieldable means for urging the valves closed, first and second pressure responsive means connected to control said valves, respectively, means for applying inlet pressure to one side of both said pressure responsive means in a direction to open said valves, first and secnd restricted by-pass means communicating with opposite sides of the respective pressure responsive means, first and second pressure relief conduits communicating with the other sides of the first and second pressure responsive means, respectively, means for maintaining said relief conduits at a pressure below the supply pressure, a first and a second overflow tube in each compartment, said second tube terminting at a higher elevation than the first tube, a third control valve, one for each first tube, disposed in said first relief conduit, said valves communicating in series, a third pressure responsive device connected to each third control valve, communicating with the corresponding first tube and operable by liquid in the tube for closing the associated third valve, a fourth control valve, one for each second tube, disposed in said second relief conduit, said valves communicating in series, a fourth pressure responsive device connected to each fourth control valve, communicating with the corresponding second tube and operable by liquid in the tube to close the associated fourth valve, said third valves serving individually to initiate closure of the first supply valve to slow the rate of filling and said fourth valves serving individually to initiate closure of the second supply valve to stop the filling.

17. In a tank filling system, the combination of a multiple compartment tank, a supply conduit, a manifold connecting said supply conduit with all of said compartments, an inlet valve for each compartment, first and second supply valves having inlets connected to a source of liquid under pressure and outlets connected in parallel in said conduit, yieldable means for urging the valves closed, first and second pressure responsive means connected to control said valves, respectively, means for applying inlet pressure to one side of both said pressure responsive means in a direction to open said valves, first and second restricted by-pass means communicating with opposite sides of the respective pressure responsive means, first and second pressure relief conduits communicating with the other sides of the first and second pressure responsive means, respectively, means for maintaining said relief conduits at a pressure below the supply pressure, a first and a second overflow tube in each compartment, said second tube terminating at a higher elevation then the first tube, a third control valve, one for each first tube, disposed in said first relief conduit, said valves communicating in series, a third pressure responsive device connected to each third control valve, communicating with the corresponding first tube and operable by liquid in the tube for closing the associated third valve, a fourth control valve, one for each second tube, disposed in said second relief conduit, said valves communicating in series, a fourth pressure responsive device connected to each fourth control valve, communicating with the corresponding second tube and operable by liquid in the tube to close the associated fourth valve, said third valves serving individually to initiate closure of the first supply valve to slow the rate of filling and said fourth valves serving individually to initiate closure of the second supply valve to stop the filling, and means for reopening the third and fourth valves of a filled compartment to reopen a supply valve.

18. In a tank filling system, the combination of a multiple compartment tank, a supply conduit, a manifold connecting said supply conduit with all of said compartments, an inlet valve for each compartment, first and second supply valves having inlets connected to a source of liquid under pressure and outlets connected in parallel in said conduit, yieldable means for urging the valves closed, first and second pressure responsive means connected to control said valves, respectively, means for applying inlet pressure to one side of both said pressure responsive means in a direction to open said valves, first and second restricted by-pass means communicating with opposite sides of the respective pressure responsive means, first and second pressure relief conduits communicating with the other sides of the first and second pressure responsive means, respectively, means for maintaining said relief conduits at a pressure below the supply pressure, a first and a second overflow tube in each compartment, said second tube terminating at a higher elevation than the first tube, a third control valve, one for each first tube, disposed in said first relief conduit, said valves communicating in series, a third pressure responsive device connected to each third control valve, communicating with the corresponding first tube and operable by liquid in the tube for closing the associated third valve, a fourth control valve, one for each second tube, disposed in said second relief conduit, said valves communicating in series, a fourth pressure responsive device connected to each fourth control valve, communicating with the corresponding secondtube and operable by liquid in the tube to close the associated fourth valve, said third valves serving individually to initiate closure of the first supply valve to slow the rate of filling and said fourth valves serving individually to initiate closure of the second supply valve to stop the filling, means for reopening the third and fourth valves of a filled compartment to reopen a supply valve and means for reopening and holding open the third and fourth valves of a filled compartment to place control of the supply valves under the third and fourth valves corresponding to the unfilled compartments.

19. In a tank filling system, the combination of a multiple compartment tank, a supply conduit, a manifold connecting said supply conduit with all of said compartments, an inlet valve for each compartment, first and second supply valves having inlets connected to a source of liquid under pressure and outlets connected in parallel in said conduit, yieldable means for urging the valves closed, first and second pressure responsive means connected to control said valves, respectively, means for applying inlet pressure to one side of both said pressure responsive means in a direction to open said valves, first and second restricted by-pass means communicating with opposite sides of the respective pressure responsive means, first and second pressure relief conduits communicating with the other sides of the first and second pressure responsive means, respectively, means for maintaining said relief conduits at a pressure below the supply pressure, a first and a second overflow tube in each compartment, said second tube terminating at a higher elevation than the first tube, a third control valve, one for each first tube, disposed in said first relief conduit, said valves communieating in series, a third pressure responsive device connected to each third control valve, communicating with the corresponding first tube and operable by liquid in the tube for closing the associated third valve, a fourth control valve, one

for each second tube, disposed in said second relief conduit, said valves communicating in series, a fourth pressure responsive device connected to each fourth control valve, communicating with the corresponding second tube and operable by liquid in the tube to close the associated fourth valve, said third valves serving individually to initiate closure of the first supply valve to slow the rate of filling and said fourth valves serving individually to initiate closure of the second supply valve to stop the filling, means for reopening the third and fourth valves of a filled compartment to reopen a supply valve and means for indicating the complete filling of a compartment.

20. In a tank filling system, the combination of a multiple compartment tank, a supply conduit, a manifold connecting said supply conduit with all of said compartments, an inlet valve for each compartment, first and second supply valves having inlets connected to a source of liquid under pressure and outlets connected in parallel in said conduit, yieldable means for urging the valves closed, first and second pressure responsive means connected to control said valves, respectively, means for applying inlet pressure to one side of both said pressure responsive means in a direction to open said valves, first and second restricted by-pass means communicating with opposite sides of the respective pressure responsive means, first and second pressure relief conduits communicating with the other sides of the first and second pressure responsive means, respectively, means for maintaining said relief conduits at a pressure below the supply pressure, a first and a second overflow tube in each compartment, said second tube terminating at a higher elevation than the first tube, a third control valve, one for each first tube, disposed in said first relief conduit, said valves communicating in series, a third pressure responsive device connected to each third control valve, communicating with the corresponding first tube and operable by liquid in the tube for closing the associated third valve, a fourth control valve, one for each second tube, disposed in said second relief conduit, said valves communicating in series, a fourth pressure responsive device connected to each fourth control valve, communicating with the corresponding second tube and operable by liquid in the tube to close the associated fourth valve, said third valves serving individually to initiate closure of the first supply valve to slow the rate of filling and said fourth valves serving individually to initiate closure of the second supply valve to stop the filling, means for reopening the third and fourth valves of a filled compartment to reopen a supply valve and means for draining the liquid from said tubes.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,277,837 Auld et a1 Mar. 31, 1942 2,322,304 Montgomery June 22, 1943 2,442,927 Horvath June 8, 1948 2,526,039 Oakes Oct. 17, 1950 2,548,368 Hartley et al. Apr. 10, 1951 

